The Tyndall Lecture 2026

UCD Physics are delighted to host the Tyndall Lecture for schools again this year. The speaker this year is Dr Felix Flicker, a theoretical physicist and senior lecturer at the University of Bristol. He works on the quantum underpinnings of matter, with a focus on problems where interesting shapes and patterns play a key role. The lecture aims to give students a hands-on experience of a university Physics lecture on campus and to help them connect their classwork to modern physics. As part of the day, students will also engage with Chorus, a creative STEAM initiative led by UCD Physics Dr. Sharon Shannon and Adam Breen that amplifies student voice through interdisciplinary activities linking Physics, creativity, and real-world learning.

How to Grow a Quantum Computer
Computers were once the size of large rooms. This changed when physicists came to understand a new state of matter: the semiconductor. From that point on, we learnt to grow computers from crystals of silicon. These days the race is on to build a practical quantum computer. These are again the size of large rooms. What we need is silicon for the 21st century, featuring a new, quantum state of matter. In this talk I will discuss some possible candidates for these quantum crystals, including a naturally occurring mineral which features some (but not all) of the necessary properties. Learn more here.

Chorus: Amplifying Student Voice through Creative STEAM Engagement Invites schools into a hands-on, student-led STEAM experience grounded in collaboration, storytelling, and real-world learning. Drawing on the national initiatives Harmonic and Chorus, the session shows how inclusive, interdisciplinary workshops are co-created with students using narrative approaches, Universal Design for Learning, and creative problem-solving. Teachers and students will see how second- and third-level student creators work in partnership to develop adaptable workshop materials, skills videos, and creative prompts, culminating in a mixed-media STEAM anthology for primary classrooms. Through presentation and panel discussion, student creators share their experiences of collaboration and learning, giving schools a clear sense of what participation in Chorus looks like in practice and how it supports student voice and inclusive STEAM engagement. Chorus is proudly supported by Research Ireland.

Allow approximately 2 hours on campus

Event Overview

Arrival and Welcome

Tyndall Lecture: How to Grow a Quantum Computer

Chorus: Creative STEAM Engagement Session

Student Panel and Q&A

Closing and Departure

Suitable for : TY and Senior Cycle Students

We ask that schools keep groups to around 50 students or less.

Booking is open to teachers only (not individual students).

Spaces are limited and will be provided on a “first come-first serve” basis.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this event or it's content, please contact sharon.shannon@ucd.ie